Bridgeway CEO Daniel Cobbs said he hopes to provide services an extra month to allow other local agencies time to adjust.

“We are looking at ways to make this a smoother transition,” Cobbs said. “There are several options we are looking at currently.”

Bridgeway serves uninsured residents in Okaloosa and Walton counties who need inpatient services for substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. It is one of only two places in Okaloosa County that accepts Baker Act patients.

About 10 people are admitted to Bridgeway’s beds every day. The agency provides those services to 200 to 250 patients a month.

Sheriff Larry Ashley said he met with his staff Monday to try to come up with solutions after Bridgeway ends its inpatient services.

“We have to figure out who’s going to be accepting these patients,” Ashley said. “If we don’t, there’s a burden that will be put on law enforcement and other area agencies. Trying to have a local receiving place is our big issue.”

Cobbs said he is talking with community partners on options Bridgeway is considering.

One possibility is extending its state certification for inpatient services and detoxification. Another option is to help Fort Walton Beach Medical Center — the other facility that accepts Baker Act patients — obtain the licensing needed to lease Bridgeway’s inpatient space.

“We are actively engaged in discussions and meetings and accessing the needs of the community,” said Josh Snellgrove, director of marketing and public relations for the hospital. “We are working to ensure that any changes in current services will be addressed.

“I can’t say for sure when or what we will decide, but we are focused on making sure there is not a gap in care,” Snellgrove said.

Bridgeway CEO Daniel Cobbs said he hopes to provide services an extra month to allow other local agencies time to adjust.

“We are looking at ways to make this a smoother transition,” Cobbs said. “There are several options we are looking at currently.”

Bridgeway serves uninsured residents in Okaloosa and Walton counties who need inpatient services for substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. It is one of only two places in Okaloosa County that accepts Baker Act patients.

About 10 people are admitted to Bridgeway’s beds every day. The agency provides those services to 200 to 250 patients a month.

Sheriff Larry Ashley said he met with his staff Monday to try to come up with solutions after Bridgeway ends its inpatient services.

“We have to figure out who’s going to be accepting these patients,” Ashley said. “If we don’t, there’s a burden that will be put on law enforcement and other area agencies. Trying to have a local receiving place is our big issue.”

Cobbs said he is talking with community partners on options Bridgeway is considering.

One possibility is extending its state certification for inpatient services and detoxification. Another option is to help Fort Walton Beach Medical Center — the other facility that accepts Baker Act patients — obtain the licensing needed to lease Bridgeway’s inpatient space.

“We are actively engaged in discussions and meetings and accessing the needs of the community,” said Josh Snellgrove, director of marketing and public relations for the hospital. “We are working to ensure that any changes in current services will be addressed.

“I can’t say for sure when or what we will decide, but we are focused on making sure there is not a gap in care,” Snellgrove said.